Almost two decades ago, Keira Knightley became London’s newest It girl after her first big role as Jules Paxton in Bend it Like Beckham. Since then, Knightley has played more complicated, diverse characters that have stayed in our hearts—from Elizabeth Swann in The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to her heartbreaking portrayals in Atonement and The Imitation Game. Throughout her time on the big screen, Knightley has seen her fair share of red carpets. Like many, Knightley started off her red carpet career taking bold risks with ab-baring crop tops and plunging necklines. She has since zeroed-in on a classic, elegant aesthetic on the step and repeat, something which she almost always achieves with some help from the house of Chanel. Below, look through Keira Knightley’s red carpet evolution over the years, from Bend it Like Beckham to Black Doves.
2024: Black Doves London Premiere
Knightley cut an edgy figure for the Black Doves London premiere in head-to-toe Chanel.
2024: Black Doves Screening
The actress, attending a screening of Black Doves, tapped into the Boho trend with this Chloé look.
2022: Charlotte Screening
Knightley dressed up a simple black dress with a gold Chanel coat at a 2022 screening of Charlotte.
2019: London Film Festival
Knightley slipped into this sheer Simone Rocha number to attend the 2019 London Film Festival.
2018: The Nutcracker And The Four Realms Premiere
Another Chanel princess dress for the The Nutcracker And The Four Realms European premiere.
2017: London Evening Standard Theatre Awards
The star was well ahead of the bow trend when she wore this pale tulle dress that was accented with green ribbons along the sleeves.
2016: La Traviata Premiere
Stealing the spotlight in this stunning red, Grecian-inspired dress.
2015: Academy Awards
The actress arrived to the 2015 Oscars in this fairy-tale Valentino number.
2015: SAG Awards
Proving that she is one of the best dressed women in Hollywood, Knightley walked the red carpet at the SAG Awards in this purple number.
2015: Golden Globe Awards
Knightley opted for a tiered, patterned Chanel look at the 2015 Golden Globes.
2015: Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
Pregnant Knightley looked elegant in a blue, empire waist gown and soft make-up at the 20th Annual Critic’s Choice Movie Awards.
2014: Toronto International Film Festival
An eccentric midnight blue gown by Michael Van Der Ham was just the ticket for the premiere of Knightley’s other new film, Laggies. A red lip, a simple diamond bracelet, and black pointy pumps pulled everything together.
2014: London Film Festival
Knightley looked radiant in red at the London Film Festival in a scarf-print pleated dress from the Valentino Spring 2015 collection. Charlotte Olympia gold and black pumps added a regal accent to the crimson look.
2012: Anna Karenina Premiere
The actress looked ravishing in this strapless gown at the Anna Karenina premiere.
2010: Laurence Olivier Awards
Knightley swapped her pale princess pinks for this bold patterned look for a 2010 awards.
2008: BAFTA Awards
At the 2008 BAFTAs, Knightley opted for this tiered confection and tousled hair.
2007: Atonement Los Angeles Premiere
Knightley changed it up with a pink deconstructed dress and black and silver shoes at her Atonement premiere in LA.
2007: Atonement London Premiere
Knightley showed up for the London Premiere of Atonement looking like a Greek goddess.
2006: Academy Awards
Oscar-nominated Knightley glowed in a one-shoulder mermaid Vera Wang dress at the 2006 Academy Awards. She accents the look with a bold necklace and gold clutch.
2006: Golden Globe Awards
One of Knightley’s most iconic looks, a beautiful white dress, at the 63rd Golden Globes.
2004: Hollywood Film Festival
In a sparkling dress with a handkerchief hemline, Knightley showed off her Hollywood Film Festival award.
2004: King Arthur Premiere
Knightley kept it classic in this embellished little black dress and peep-toed shoes at a movie premiere in New York.
2003: Pirates of The Caribbean Premiere
Never afraid to show some skin, Knightley hit a pose in a white crop top and jeans at the premiere of Pirates of The Caribbean.
2003: Elton John Oscars Party
Knightley attended the 11th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party in a gold dress and shawl that matched her golden tan.
2002: Bend It Like Beckham Premiere
A young Knightley stunned at the Bend It Like Beckham movie premiere in patterned trousers and a plunging neckline.
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